Certificate Programs

In addition to individual courses in studio art, art history, design communication arts, photography, and user experience – UCLA Extension’s Visual Arts department also offers certificate programs for students seeking a more comprehensive education. Our two open enrollment programs – the Photography Certificate and the Design Communication Arts Certificate – welcome individuals regardless of their background or experience level. For individuals who have prior design experience, we also offer the Adv. Web and Interaction Design and Adv. Print and Graphic Communication certificate programs which require application by portfolio review.

Our certificate programs offer a structured path of core required courses alongside numerous elective course options – allowing students the flexibility to achieve their specific goals while still gaining the technical skills and knowledge essential to a contemporary creative practice. With effort and dedication, our programs will give you the edge needed to make your creative ideas a reality.

For more information about our certificate programs, please select one of the links above, or contact us here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll in a course?

Individuals can enroll via the UCLA Extension website, by calling our enrollment office at 310.825.9971, or by visiting our enrollment window on the 1st floor of UCLA Extension’s main building at 10995 LeConte Avenue. You can even sign up by snail mail! For more details about our enrollment and refund policies, please see here.

Who can enroll in UCLA Extension courses?

Anyone is welcome to enroll at UCLA Extension, and many of the courses offered through our department are open enrollment courses. Some advanced courses do have prerequisites, which will be listed on each course page. Also, please note that some courses and the Advanced Certificate programs do require an application and department permission in order to enroll.

As UCLA’s principal provider of continuing education, the majority of UCLA Extension courses are designed for the post-baccalaureate professional-level student. Enrollment is therefore normally reserved for adult students 18 years of age and older. Individuals younger than 18 can request special permission from an instructor to be admitted into a course, and may contact our department at 310.206.1422 for more information.

Can I take individual courses without enrolling in a certificate program?

Yes, most courses offered through UCLAx Visual Arts and Design Communication Arts are open enrollment. Students may take individual courses from a certificate curriculum now, and then later apply them towards the certifcate program should you decide to enroll. Please note that some application and technology based courses have a shelf life of 3 years, and students must achieve a grade of ‘C’ or better in a course to count it towards a certificate program.

Are any courses eligible for UC-transfer credit?

Courses numbered X1 through X199 are structured in accordance with requirements for UCLA undergraduate courses, but include subject matter not part of the regular undergraduate curriculum. X1 through X199 courses are transferable for unit credit towards a Bachelors Degree at all campuses of the University of California.

Individual course fees are due upon registration each quarter, and will be listed on the information page for each course. We encourage students to enroll early to not only guarantee your spot in a course, but also to take advantage of our early enrollment period – which offers a 10% discount on most course fees. Depending on the course your taking, other expenses to consider may include art supplies, printing costs, Adobe Creative Cloud and either a desktop or laptop.
Financial Aid options vary for individual students, and we encourage you to consult UCLA Extension’s Financial Aid office for the most detailed information on grants, loans, scholarships, and other forms of aid. You can visit their webpage here, or contact them by emailing finaid@uclaextension or calling 310.825.4246.

Where are courses located?

Most of our Visual Arts and Design Communication Arts courses take place at 1010 Westwood Center. You can locate the center along with other UCLA Extension buildings via this map. For students taking only one or two courses, we often recommend utilizing the nearby public parking garage located at 1036 Broxton Avenue. Students taking courses full-time (3 or more) may consider purchasing an UCLA parking permit, which you can learn more about here. The Westwood area is also serviced by Los Angeles Metro, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and Culver CityBus.

What is a candidacy fee?

The candidacy fee officially enrolls you in a certificate program, and confers the following benefits:

For courses that are full, preference on the waitlist

Access to Visual Arts and DCA Program Advisors to help with course planning and career goals

Eligible to apply for UCLA Bruincard for just $10 – good for campus discounts, reduced bus fares, campus library access, UCLA gym memberships, and more

Locks in your Certificate requirements for the duration of your candidacy

Additional benefits for specific Certificate programs

What software and operating system will I need?

Beginning in Winter quarter 2014, all of our Design Communication Arts courses utilize the most recent version of Adobe – Creative Cloud. Enrolled Certificate candidates can purchase discounted software through the UCLA Student Store. You can call the Student Store with questions at 310.825.6952.

Macintosh OS is considered design industry standard, and our computer lab is outfitted with Apple workstations. However, students are welcome to work on their own in either a Mac or PC environment. Our computer lab does not offer open hours.

What books or art supplies will I need?

If a textbook is required for your course, it will be listed below the location information on each course details page. If no textbook is required, there will be no listing posted, however your instructor can often recommend some optional texts which may be beneficial to the course.

Art supplies and materials needed vary for each course, and will be outlined in the course syllabus. Some courses require students to come prepared to the first class meeting, and a materials list will be sent prior to the beginning of the course if noted on the course page. You can learn more about local art supply stores via our Resources page.

Do you offer job placement?

Certificate students can access CareerSpot, which offers a job board, professional resume review, and career advice. In addition, your coursework provides you with opportunities to network with instructors and other students, many of whom are working professionals. Though we do not match students with employers, we can help you improve your portfolio and your attractiveness as a professional candidate.

What if I have other questions or want to speak to an advisor?

You can reach us anytime during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm ET) by calling 310.206.1422, or by filling out our contact form.